The stone that we call Diamond is a famous material with superlative physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms. The diamond rock has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any bulk material.
Natural diamonds origins
Natural diamonds are formed with high temperatures and at a pressure depth of around 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 118 mi) in the Earth’s mantle. Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon source, and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth).
Diamonds are brought close to the Earth′s surface through deep volcanic eruptions by a magma, which cools into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites.
Ethical option 1: ethically-sourced natural diamonds
While the Kimberley process has tried to ensure that ‘blood diamonds’ are no longer part of the diamond supply chain, the number of people that each diamond must ass through before reaching the end consumer means that there are many opportunities for verification to be faked. As a result, while the Kimberley process has made a difference, it isn’t infallible.
Two options for ethically-sourced natural diamonds are:
- Canadian diamonds which can be traced back to their origin. These are often branded ‘Canadamark’ or similar
- Blockchain-tracked diamonds which use technology to trace the origin back to their original mine. Blockchain diamonds can often show consumers the exact piece of diamond rough that their diamond came from, which is an interesting feature.
Points to consider with an ethically-sourced natural diamond:
- Diamonds are rapidly depleting so the value will rise in the future.
- A mined diamond will pass through many hands before it ends up on the consumers hand and the source is sometimes impossible to obtain, hence the need for disclosure.
- 6) Real diamonds have many flaws and have a diamond clarity, colour and cut chart that gives them different categories of price. The less expensive a diamond is the more flaws it has.
Ethical option 2: lab-grown diamonds
Diamonds can also be produced synthetically in a high-pressure high-temperature process which approximately simulates the conditions in the Earth’s mantle.
An alternative, and completely different growth technique is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Several non-diamond materials, which include cubic zirconia and silicon carbide and are often called diamond simulants, resemble diamond in appearance and many properties. Special gemological techniques have been developed to distinguish natural and synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants.
Points to consider with a lab grown diamond:
- You can get a much larger stone for your budget. The diamonds are up to 50% cheaper.
- They are chemically identical to mined diamonds.
- Graded by world renowned laboratories
- Produce half the carbon foot print of mined diamonds.
- Man made diamonds are all laser inscribed reassuring their origin.
- Conflict free.
- Could increase poverty, rattle to economy or cause death due to lack of demand in parts of Africa.
The choice still does come down to the consumer, but understanding the difference between which way to go depends on personal conclusions. Do we as humans with morals turn a blind eye and carry on? Or do we make a change and seek an alternative. Everyone takes away something different from the information presented to them. Whatever your decision, enjoy your jewellery.
